Comments about The Heaven Of Animals by James Dickey

I understand some commenters' problem with the line 'having no soul.' Being a longtime fan of Dickey's I think he meant this with irony, a technique he often used, a clear rebuke to those who really do believe this. It was clear to me that he does believe animals have souls from this loving and respectful poem.(Report)Reply

a wonderful commemoration of all life forms, although I do have a problem with his reference to animals not possessing a soul, suggesting they should not be treated humanly, I did enjoy the reflection that the simplicity of an animal requires them to see heaven as the state of existing within their own domain and not in search of the hopeless pursuit that we humans look for a life aver after. Their heaven is this world as it should be ours, at least that what I interpret(Report)Reply

Most people forget what an interesting poet Dickey was, due to his novel (and subsequent film) 'Deliverance' overshadowing his poetic accomplishments. But he was a good poet before he became a bestselling novelist. Enjoyed the read. -LP(Report)Reply